The Medical Center for Birds
3805 Main St
Oakley, CA 94561
925-625-1878
Feather Growth Anomalies in Raptors
During the past two years, four cases of anomalous feather growth have been
brought to my attention. Three of these birds are bald eagles from Washington,
Oregon, and Missouri and one involves a gyrfalcon from Alaska. The cases have
been similar in age and presentation. The condition has manifested during
growth of the bird's initial set of remiges (primaries and secondaries) and
retrices (tail feathers). The feathers grow only a few inches before pinching
off at the base and falling out. A definitive diagnosis has been elusive in
all four cases. Dr. Scott Ford is currently amassing information about this
syndrome and comparing findings with European pathologists who are studying
a similar condition in white-tailed sea eagles. If you have seen a case of
bilateral, anomalous feather growth in a wild bird, please contact Scott Ford,
DVM at akeaglevet@yahoo.com or contact him at the Medical Center for Birds
at 925-625-1878 or 360-271-7000.